The Scientific Revolution The Rise of Science (16 th 18 th cents.) The Ancient and Medieval Mindset Dependent on Greco-Roman thinkers No clear-cut lines between science and pseudoscience Europe still very religious and superstitious Science became more modern (by 17 th cent.) The Scientific Revolution Revolution in Astronomy Ptolemaic Theory The Cosmos Group of concentric spheres GEOCENTRIC Spheres revolve around Earth Bible, human observation support this Celestial bodies contain ether The Scientific Revolution Nicolaus Copernicus ( ) Polish cleric On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Orbs (1543) Proposed HELIOCENTRIC universe Remained hypothesis initially Many astronomers hesitated to adopt it Mathematical concerns The Scientific Revolution The Copernican system The Scientific Revolution Johann Kepler ( ) Court mathematician of emperor Provided mathematical confirmation for Copernicuss theory Taught Laws of Planetary Motion Planets follow elliptical orbits, not circular Distance and time of revolution in constant ratio The Scientific Revolution Galileo Galilei ( ) Professor at U. of Padua Fascinated with astronomy Advocate of Copernican theory Discoveries with telescope Imperfections on moon Sunspots Demonstrate uniformity between heavens and Earth The Scientific Revolution Galileo: Outspoken and Defiant Advocate of Copernican Theory Asked to treat theory as hypothesis, not fact Did not! summoned to Rome (1632), house arrest Trial before Inquisition (1633) Charged with challenging authority of Scripture heresy Abjured Copernican theory! Died within Catholic Church (1642) The Scientific Revolution 2009 The Scientific Revolution Questions? The Scientific Revolution Further Advances Physics: Law of Gravity Sir Isaac Newton ( ) Gravity: same force that holds object on Earth holds planets in orbits Chemistry: use chemicals to treat disease Old theory: disease the result of imbalance in humors bloodletting The Scientific Revolution Discoveries in Biology Human anatomy Blood circulation Bacteria discovered with microscope Vesalius and students The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Method Empirical observation and experimentation conclusions Theories: let them emerge only after accumulation and analysis of data The Scientific Revolution Scientific Discoveries Revolution in Thought Old paradigms swept away Humans no longer center of universe Cosmos are orderly and mechanistic based on Gods design Faith in human reason optimism Skepticism beginning to brew need for evidence The Scientific Revolution John Locke ( ) English writer, political theorist People possess natural rights: life, liberty, property Function of government Protect everyones rights Mutual contract between ruler and ruled Break in contract ruled have right to reconsider ruler, even rebel! The Scientific Revolution Questions?